U.S. patent application number 15/766602 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-11 for oral care implement.
This patent application is currently assigned to Colgate-Palmolive Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Colgate-Palmolive Company. Invention is credited to Anthony BAXTER, Chad Leighton HELLAND, Douglas HOHLBENIN, Mauricio ISSA, Eduardo JIMENEZ, Alberto MANTILLA, Dario Alejandro NARVAEZ LOPEZ, Marisol RODRIGUEZ, Ellis Junior SMITH, Kenneth WAGUESPACK.
Application Number | 20180289143 15/766602 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54337933 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180289143 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JIMENEZ; Eduardo ; et
al. |
October 11, 2018 |
Oral Care Implement
Abstract
An oral care implement in one embodiment includes an elongated
body comprising a head portion supporting plurality of tooth
cleaning elements and a handle portion. The tooth cleaning elements
are disposed on longitudinally extending bristle carrier sections
hingedly coupled together about a common pivot axis. The axis may
be formed by a flexible web. A slidable actuator mounted in the
handle portion is mechanically coupled to the bristle carrier
assembly by an elongated operating rod. Moving the actuator in
opposing rearward and forward directions opens or folds the
bristles on the carriers outwards or inwards respectively about the
common pivot axis. In the folded position, the bristles are
configured for interdental cleaning of the teeth. In the open or
extended position, the bristles are configured for general purpose
cleaning of the teeth.
Inventors: |
JIMENEZ; Eduardo;
(Manalapan, NJ) ; WAGUESPACK; Kenneth; (North
Brunswick, NJ) ; HOHLBENIN; Douglas; (Hopewell,
NJ) ; BAXTER; Anthony; (Upper Montclair, NJ) ;
RODRIGUEZ; Marisol; (New York, NY) ; MANTILLA;
Alberto; (Rego Park, NY) ; SMITH; Ellis Junior;
(New York, NY) ; HELLAND; Chad Leighton; (New
York, NY) ; NARVAEZ LOPEZ; Dario Alejandro; (North
Bergen, NJ) ; ISSA; Mauricio; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Colgate-Palmolive Company |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Colgate-Palmolive Company
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
54337933 |
Appl. No.: |
15/766602 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
October 9, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2015/054928 |
371 Date: |
April 6, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/0037 20130101;
A46B 5/0075 20130101; A46B 9/04 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101;
A46B 7/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/04 20060101
A46B009/04; A46B 5/00 20060101 A46B005/00; A46B 7/02 20060101
A46B007/02 |
Claims
1. An oral care implement comprising: an elongated body extending
along a longitudinal axis and comprising a head portion and a
handle portion; a first bristle carrier section movably disposed on
the head portion, the first bristle carrier section comprising a
plurality of first tooth cleaning elements extending outward from a
front surface thereof; a second bristle carrier section movably
disposed on the head portion adjacent the first bristle carrier
section, the second bristle carrier section comprising a plurality
of second tooth cleaning elements extending outward from a front
surface thereof; the first and second bristle carrier sections
hingedly coupled together about a common pivot axis; an actuator
operably coupled to the first and second bristle carrier sections,
the actuator alterable between: (1) a first state in which the
actuator causes the first and second bristle carrier sections to
assume an extended position; and (2) a second state in which the
actuator causes the first and second bristle carrier sections to
assume a transversely folded position in which the first and second
tooth cleaning elements converge.
2. The oral care implement according to claim 1, wherein the first
and second tooth cleaning elements are oriented substantially
upright and parallel to each other in the extended position, and
the first and second tooth cleaning elements are oriented
substantially obliquely to each other in the folded position.
3. The oral care implement according to claim 1, wherein the first
and second bristle carrier sections are pivoted inwards about the
pivot axis when in the folded position.
4. The oral care implement according to claim 1, wherein the common
pivot axis is formed by a living hinge connecting the first and
second bristle carrier sections together.
5. The oral care implement according to claim 4, wherein the living
hinge comprises a resiliently flexible web that hingedly couples
the first and second bristle carrier sections together, the web
having greater flexibility than the first and second bristle
carrier sections.
6. The oral care implement according to claim 5, wherein a distal
working end of the operating rod includes a wedge-shaped protrusion
which is selectively engageable with an underside portion of the
flexible web.
7. The oral care implement according to claim 4, wherein a distal
working end of the operating rod includes a plurality of first
protrusions arranged to engage a plurality of second protrusions
formed on the first and second bristle carrier sections, the first
protrusions positioned between the second protrusions in the
extended position of the first and second bristle carrier sections,
the first protrusions positioned laterally adjacent the second
protrusions in the folded position of the first and second bristle
carrier sections.
8. The oral care implement according to claim 7, wherein the first
and second bristle carrier sections are hingedly coupled to a
distal working end of the operating rod by a transversely oriented
flexible web, the first and second bristle carrier sections being
folded over the working end of the operating rod when mounted in
the toothbrush body.
9. The oral care implement according to claim 8, wherein the first
and second bristle carrier sections and the operating rod are
formed integrally as parts of a unitary structure.
10. The oral care implement according to claim 1, wherein the first
and second tooth cleaning elements of the first and second bristle
carrier sections when in the folded position are angled inwards
toward the longitudinal axis forming a wedge-shaped bristle
profile.
11. The oral care implement according to claim 1, wherein the first
and second bristle carrier sections are structured and made of a
rigid or semi-rigid plastic material.
12. The oral care implement according to claim 1, wherein the
actuator is formed as a button slidably mounted in an upwardly open
recess formed in a front surface of the handle portion.
13. An oral care implement comprising: an elongated body extending
along a longitudinal axis and comprising a head portion defining a
distal end, a handle portion defining a proximal end, and a neck
portion extending therebetween; a foldable bristle carrier assembly
comprising first and second bristle carrier sections hingedly
coupled together by a flexible web; an actuator operably coupled to
the bristle carrier assembly, the actuator alterable between a
first state and a second state; wherein moving the actuator from
the first state to the second state causes the first and second
bristle carrier sections to pivot inwards about the flexible web to
a folded position; and wherein moving the actuator from the second
state to the first state causes the first and second bristle
carrier sections to pivot outwards about the flexible web to an
upright open position.
14. The oral care implement according to claim 13, wherein bristles
mounted on the first and second bristle carrier sections are
oriented substantially parallel to each other in the upright open
position.
15. The oral care implement according to claim 14, wherein the
bristles on the first and second bristle carrier sections are
oriented substantially obliquely to each other in the folded
position.
16. The oral care implement according to claim 13, wherein flat
front surfaces of the first and second bristle carrier sections are
oriented substantially parallel to a horizontal reference plane
defined by opposing front lateral peripheral edges of the head
portion of the body.
17. The oral care implement according to claim 16, wherein the
first and second bristle carrier sections are located on opposite
sides of a first reference plane that includes the longitudinal
axis and is orthogonal to the front surface of the head portion,
and wherein the first reference plane intersects the flexible web
of the bristle carrier assembly.
18. A method for operating an oral care implement with angularly
adjustable bristles, the method comprising: a) providing an
elongated oral care implement comprising a longitudinal axis, a
head defining a distal end, a handle defining a proximal end, a
foldable bristle carrier assembly comprising first and second
bristle carrier sections each having a plurality of bristles and
hingedly coupled together about a common pivot axis, and an
actuator operably coupled to the bristle carrier assembly; b)
placing the actuator in a first state, thereby causing the bristles
of the first and second bristle carrier sections to be oriented
substantially perpendicular to the head of the oral care implement;
and c) altering the actuator to a second state, thereby causing
each of the first and second bristle carrier sections to pivot
inwards about the common pivot axis so that the bristles of the
first and second bristle carrier sections assume a wedge-shaped
folded position.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein step c) comprises
sliding the actuator from the first state to the second state.
20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the pivot axis is
positioned below outer peripheral edges of the first and second
bristle carrier sections when in the folded position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to oral care implements, and
more particularly to a toothbrush with foldable bristles.
[0002] The basic toothbrush is typically provided with tooth
cleaning elements such as bristles which are fixed in orientation
at a single angle with respect to the head of the brush. While this
may be appropriate for general purpose cleansing of tooth surfaces,
it is desirable to provide a toothbrush which is capable of more
than one cleansing mode of operation to enhance the effectiveness
of the brushing regimen and oral health.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention provides an oral care implement
comprising toothbrush head system with two position-adjustable
sections of tooth cleaning elements for general purpose
("all-around") cleaning and interdental cleaning between teeth. The
toothbrush head in one implementation thus may include a bristle
carrier assembly comprising two separate angularly-movable and
adjustable bristle carrier sections and an actuator mechanism that
collectively provides at least two user-selectable modes of tooth
cleaning depending on the configuration of the tooth cleaning
elements selected. In a first general purpose cleaning mode when
the actuator is not activated by the user (i.e. inactive), the
toothbrush head is configured as a standard toothbrush head with
generally upright bristles and/or other elements. In a second
interdental cleaning mode when the actuator is activated by the
user, the toothbrush head is configured as an interdental
toothbrush head with obliquely oriented bristles and/or other
elements forming a wedge shaped set of bristles for optimum
cleaning between teeth. An actuator which may be in the form of a
slidable button in some non-limiting embodiments or another type
actuator is mounted on the body of the toothbrush (e.g. handle
and/or neck) for selectively switching the toothbrush between the
cleaning and interdental operating modes and bristle
configurations. This narrower brush configuration provides improved
cleaning between teeth by transforming the normally parallel tufts
or sets of bristles into a "wedge" shaped set of bristles to reach
deeper into gaps between teeth for removing debris and plaque.
[0004] In one embodiment, an oral care implement comprises: an
elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a
head portion and a handle portion; a first bristle carrier section
movably disposed on the head portion, the first bristle carrier
section comprising a plurality of first tooth cleaning elements
extending outward from a front surface thereof; a second bristle
carrier section movably disposed on the head portion adjacent the
first bristle carrier section, the second bristle carrier section
comprising a plurality of second tooth cleaning elements extending
outward from a front surface thereof; the first and second bristle
carrier sections hingedly coupled together about a common pivot
axis; and an actuator operably coupled to the first and second
bristle carrier sections, the actuator alterable between: (1) a
first state in which the actuator causes the first and second
bristle carrier sections to assume an extended position; and (2) a
second state in which the actuator causes the first and second
bristle carrier sections to assume a transversely folded position
in which the first and second tooth cleaning elements converge.
[0005] In another embodiment, an oral care implement comprises: an
elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a
head portion defining a distal end, a handle portion defining a
proximal end, and a neck portion extending therebetween; a foldable
bristle carrier assembly comprising first and second bristle
carrier sections hingedly coupled together by a flexible web; an
actuator operably coupled to the bristle carrier assembly, the
actuator alterable between a first state and a second state;
wherein moving the actuator from the first state to the second
state causes the first and second bristle carrier sections to pivot
inwards about the flexible web to a folded position; and wherein
moving the actuator from the second state to the first state causes
the first and second bristle carrier sections to pivot outwards
about the flexible web to an upright open position.
[0006] A method for operating an oral care implement with angularly
adjustable bristles is provided. The method includes: a) providing
an elongated oral care implement comprising a longitudinal axis, a
head defining a distal end, a handle defining a proximal end, a
foldable bristle carrier assembly comprising first and second
bristle carrier sections each having a plurality of bristles and
hingedly coupled together about a common pivot axis, and an
actuator operably coupled to the bristle carrier assembly; b)
placing the actuator in a first state, thereby causing the bristles
of the first and second bristle carrier sections to be oriented
substantially perpendicular to the head of the oral care implement;
and c) altering the actuator to a second state, thereby causing
each of the first and second bristle carrier sections to pivot
inwards about the common pivot axis so that the bristles of the
first and second bristle carrier sections assume a wedge-shaped
folded position.
[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an oral care
implement according to one embodiment of the present invention, the
bristle carriers and bristles being shown in an open or extended
position;
[0010] FIG. 1B is front perspective view thereof showing the
bristle carriers and bristles in a folded position;
[0011] FIG. 2A is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view
thereof showing an actuator in a forward position and the bristle
carriers and bristles in the open/extended position;
[0012] FIG. 2B is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view
thereof showing the actuator in a rearward position and the bristle
carriers and bristles in the folded position;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the head
portion of the oral care implement showing the bristle carriers and
bristles in the open/extended position;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the head
portion showing the bristle carriers and bristles in the folded
position;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative construction of the
bristle carrier assembly and actuator;
[0016] FIG. 5A is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view
thereof showing the actuator in a forward position and the bristle
carriers and bristles in the open/extended position;
[0017] FIG. 5B is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view
thereof showing the actuator in a forward position and the bristle
carriers and bristles in the folded position;
[0018] FIG. 6A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the head
portion of the oral care implement showing the bristle carriers and
bristles in the open/extended position;
[0019] FIG. 6B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the head
portion showing the bristle carriers and bristles in the folded
position;
[0020] FIG. 7A is a transverse cross-sectional view taken from FIG.
6A showing the positions of operating protrusions on the bristle
carriers and working end of an operating rod when the bristle
carriers and bristles are in the open/extended position; and
[0021] FIG. 7B is a transverse cross-sectional view taken from FIG.
6B showing the positions of operating protrusions on the bristle
carriers and working end of the operating rod when the bristle
carriers and bristles are in the open/extended position.
[0022] All drawing are schematic and not necessarily to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0024] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for
describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value
within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In
addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a
definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference,
the present disclosure controls.
[0025] In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any
reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for
convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit
the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower,"
"upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down,"
"top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g.,
"horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed
to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the
drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience
of description only and do not require that the apparatus be
constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless
explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "affixed,"
"connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a non-limiting embodiment of an oral
care implement according to the present disclosure may be a
toothbrush 100. Toothbrush 100 generally includes an elongated body
101 extending from a proximal end 103 to a distal end 102 along a
longitudinal axis A-A. The body 101 includes a front side 112,
opposing rear side 113, and opposing lateral sides 114 extending
between the front and rear sides. A vertical plane drawn through
the longitudinal axis A-A from the distal to proximal ends 102, 103
and normal to the front side 112 of the body divides the body 101
of the toothbrush 100 into a right side and left side if viewed
looking at the front side of the body in an upright position (i.e.
distal end 102 up and proximal end 103 down).
[0027] The longitudinal axis A-A follows the contours and shapes of
the toothbrush body 101 from proximal to distal ends 103, 102 and
remains at the centerline of each transverse section of the body
through which the longitudinal axis extends. Accordingly, the
longitudinal axis A-A is not necessarily a straight reference line
in all cases depending on the shape and curvature of the toothbrush
body.
[0028] Body 101 further comprises a head portion 110 (alternatively
"head"), a handle portion 120 (alternatively "handle"), and a neck
portion 121 (alternatively "neck") coupling the handle to head. In
certain embodiments, neck portion 121 may a structure that is
narrower in width and/or height (measured transversely to
longitudinal axis A-A than the head portion 110 and/or handle
portion 120.
[0029] The front side 112 of the head portion 110 may be
substantially planar in one embodiment when the user-configurable
toothbrush 100 is in the normal general tooth cleaning operating
mode, as further described herein. The head portion 110 comprises a
plurality of tooth cleaning elements such as bristles 111 extending
transversely from the front side 112. The exact types, structure,
pattern, orientation and material of the tooth cleaning elements is
not limiting of the present invention unless so specified in the
claims. As used herein, the term "tooth cleaning elements" is used
in a generic sense to refer to any structure or combination of
structures that can be used to clean, polish or wipe the teeth
and/or soft oral tissue (e.g. tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through
relative surface contact. Common examples of "tooth cleaning
elements" include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament
bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber
bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions,
combinations thereof and/or structures containing such materials or
combinations. Suitable elastomeric materials include any
biocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral
hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning
benefits, the elastomeric material of the tooth or soft tissue
engaging elements may have a hardness property in the range of A8
to A25 Shore hardness. One suitable elastomeric material is
styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS)
manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from
other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted
hardness range could be used.
[0030] The bristles 111 of the present invention can be connected
to the head portion 110 in any manner now available or to be
developed and is also not limiting of the invention. For example,
staples/anchors, in-mold tufting (IMT) or anchor free tufting (AFT)
could be used to mount the cleaning elements/tooth engaging
elements. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head
such as by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend through the
plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the
plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the
bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are melted
together by heat to be anchored in place. Any suitable form of
cleaning elements may be used in the broad practice of this
invention. Alternatively, the bristles could be mounted to tuft
blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the
tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or
below the tuft block.
[0031] In certain embodiments, the head portion 110 may also
include a soft tissue cleanser (not shown herein) coupled to or
positioned on its rear side 113. An example of a suitable soft
tissue cleanser that may be used with the present invention and
positioned on the rear surface of the head portion 110 is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,462, issued Dec. 5, 2006 to the assignee of
the present application, the entirety of which is hereby
incorporated by reference. In certain embodiments, the soft tissue
cleanser may include a plurality of protuberances, which can take
the form of elongated ridges, nubs, or combinations thereof. Of
course, the invention is not to be so limited and in certain
embodiments the oral care implement 100 may not include any soft
tissue cleanser.
[0032] In the exemplified embodiment, the head portion 110 is
formed integrally with the handle portion 120 and neck portion 121
as a single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining,
and/or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments the
handle portion 120, neck portion 121, and head portion 110 may be
formed as separate components which are operably connected at a
later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique
known in the art, including without limitation thermal or
ultrasonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve,
threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. In certain
embodiments, the head and neck portions 110, 121 may be formed as a
detachable single unitary structure which is configured for
removable coupling to the handle portion 120, thereby allowing the
head to be replaceable when the bristles 111 have worn.
[0033] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, the handle portion
120 is an axially elongated structure extending from the proximal
end 103 of the body 101 to the neck portion 121 that provides a
means for grasping and manipulating the toothbrush 100 during use.
The handle portion 120 may comprise an ergonomic thumb grip section
122 adjacent neck portion 121 and a finger grip section 123
disposed more proximally. The thumb grip section 122 is located
between the neck portion 121 and the finger grip section 123.
Handle portion 120 further defines a front surface 124, an opposing
rear surface 125, and two opposing lateral side surfaces 126.
Surfaces 124-126 collectively form an outer surface 127 of the
handle portion 120.
[0034] In the exemplified embodiment, the handle portion 120 is
generically depicted having various contours for user comfort. More
specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the thumb grip section
122 of the handle portion 120 is a more bulbous diametrically
enlarged structure relative to the outer surface 127 of and other
portions of the handle portion 120. Thus, thumb grip section 122
may have a diameter and width measured transversely to longitudinal
axis A-A between lateral sides 126 of the handle portion 120 that
is greater than a width of the finger grip section 123 of the
handle portion. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in
all embodiments, and in certain other embodiments the thumb grip
section 122 may not have a greater width than the entire or at
least portions of the finger grip section 123. For example, the
proximal portion of the finger grip section 123 may be bulbous
shaped and wider than other portions of the finger grip section in
addition to or instead of the thumb grip section 122. The handle
portion 120 can therefore take on a wide variety of shapes,
contours and configurations, none of which are limiting of the
present invention unless so specified in the claims.
[0035] In the exemplified embodiment, the handle portion 120 of
toothbrush 100 which may be made of a rigid plastic material, such
as for example without limitation polymers and copolymers of
ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such
as polyethylene terephthalate. Of course, the invention is not to
be so limited in all embodiments and the handle portion 120 may be
formed with a semi-rigid material. Handle portion 120 may further
include surface portions which are formed of a non-slip resilient
material for greater comfort and handling, such as without
limitation a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) affixed over portions of
or the entirety of the handle portion 120 to enhance grip of the
toothbrush during use. For example, parts of the handle portion 120
that are typically gripped by a user's palm, fingers, and/or thumb
during use, such as the finger grip section 123 and thumb grip
section 122, may be partially or totally overmolded with a
thermoplastic elastomer or other resilient material to further
increase comfort and grip for a user.
[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, toothbrush 100
includes user-configurable sets of bristles and/or other tooth
cleaning elements that transform the toothbrush from a general
purpose oral care implement into an interdental implement when
desired by the user. Advantageously, this supplants the need to
purchase and use two separate oral care devices for performing
general cleaning of the teeth and specialized deep cleaning in the
interdental spaces between teeth. The structure and operation of
this aspect of toothbrush 100 will now be described in further
detail.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the head portion 110 includes a
bristle carrier assembly 200 comprising a longitudinally-extending
first bristle carrier section 201 and second bristle carrier
section 202 disposed adjacent the first section. Bristle carrier
sections 201, 202 each comprise a respective base 204 that supports
a plurality of bristles 111 including a first set of bristles 111a
disposed on carrier section 201 and second set of bristles 111b
disposed on carrier section 202. In one non-limiting embodiment, a
front surface 206 is formed by bases 204 for each bristle carrier
section 201, 202 which may be substantially planar or flat as
illustrated. In other embodiments, the front surface 206 may be
convexly or concavely curved or undulating. The bristles extend
vertically upward and outwards from the front surfaces 206 of the
bases 204 in a generally perpendicular direction to a horizontal
reference plane H-H defined by opposing front lateral peripheral
edges 230 on the front side of the toothbrush head portion 110. The
front surfaces 206 of bases 204 when arranged parallel to each
other and horizontal reference plane H-H as shown in FIG. 3A define
an open or extended position of the bristle carrier assembly 200
and a general purpose cleaning configuration of the bristles. In
other embodiments, it should be noted that some of the bristles may
be obliquely angled to front surfaces 206 of the bases 204 while
others are oriented perpendicular. The bottom lower ends of
bristles in each set of bristles 111a, 111b is secured to a base
204 by methods already described herein for bristle tuft
attachment. The top upper free ends of the bristles may have any
suitable shape including obliquely angled, straight/flat, tapered,
or other.
[0038] Bristle carrier sections 201 and 202 are hingedly coupled
together by a thin flexible web 208 which extends axially between
the sections parallel to longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush
100. Web 208 adjoins the inner edges of bristle carrier sections
201 and 202 and the outer edges of the bristle carrier sections
adjoins the front lateral peripheral edges 230 on the front side of
the toothbrush head portion 110. In one non-limiting embodiment,
web 208 has a transverse thickness less than the thickness of the
carrier section bases 204 (see, e.g. FIGS. 3A and 3B) to impart
greater flexibility to the assembly at the web. Accordingly, the
bases 204 are structured to be more rigid than the flexible web
208. This forms a "living hinge" in which the bristle carrier
section bases 204 and web 208 may be integrally formed from a
single monolithic and unitary plastic component by a suitable
molding process. It bears noting that a "living hinge" is a
well-known term of art used to describe a thin flexible hinge made
from the same base material as the two more rigidly structured
hinged parts that it connects. In one embodiment, the bristle
carrier assembly 200 collectively including the carrier sections
201, 202 and web 208 may be structured and made of a relatively
rigid or semi-rigid plastic material, such as for example without
limitation polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene,
butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene
terephthalate.
[0039] The flexible web 208 in one embodiment is aligned and
arranged in a vertical reference plane that includes the
longitudinal axis and is orthogonal to the front surfaces 206 of
the first and second bristle carrier sections 201, 202. The first
and second bristle carrier sections 201, 202 are located on
opposite sides of the vertical reference plane.
[0040] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, the bristle carrier
sections 201, 202 are supported by the head portion 110 in a manner
which allows tilting or folding movement transverse to the
longitudinal axis A-A about the flexible web 208. The web 208 thus
defines a common pivot axis oriented parallel to longitudinal axis
A-A of the toothbrush body 101. The bases 204 of the bristle
carrier sections 201, 202 span and extend across a recessed basin
210 formed in the front side 112 of the toothbrush head portion 110
(best shown in FIGS. 3A-B). A gap is formed between the underside
of the bases 204 and floor of the basin 210. This provides space
that allows partial collapse of the carrier sections 201, 202 into
the basin 210 and insertion of an actuator beneath the carrier
sections, as further described herein. The actuator is operably
coupled to the carrier assembly to cause the first and second
bristle carrier sections 201, 202 to assume an extended position
(i.e. general purpose cleaning configuration) and a
folded/collapsed position (i.e. interdental cleaning bristle
configuration),
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a manual actuating mechanism is
provided in one non-limiting embodiment for articulating the
bristle carrier sections 201, 202 between an extended position in
which the bristles have an upright parallel configuration for
general purpose cleaning (see, e.g. FIG. 3A) and a folded/collapsed
position in which the bristles have an obliquely angled
configuration for interdental cleaning (see, e.g. FIG. 3B). The
actuating mechanism includes a longitudinally-extending and
elongated operating rod 222 including an actuator 220 disposed at a
proximal operating end 221 of the rod and a distal working end 223
engageable with the bristle carrier sections 201, 202. Operating
rod 222 is slidably disposed in an axially elongated cavity 224
formed inside the toothbrush 100 between the head portion 110 and
handle portion 120 that extends through the neck portion 121 of the
toothbrush (best shown in FIGS. 2A-B). Cavity 224 opens into and is
in communication with the basin 210 of the toothbrush head portion
110. The actuator 220 may be in the form of a button or slide that
is movably disposed in an axially elongated and upwardly open
recess 225 formed in front surface 124 of the handle. The operating
rod 222 may have any suitable shape adapted to fit the contours of
the handle and neck of the toothbrush.
[0042] The working end 223 of the operating rod 222 includes an
upwardly extending protrusion 226 which is selectively engageable
with the bristle carrier assembly. In one embodiment, protrusion
226 is axially aligned to and parallel with the longitudinal axis
A-A to engage the flexible web 208 of the bristle carrier assembly
200 also aligned with longitudinal axis. The working end 223 and
protrusion 226 may have any suitable shape. In one non-limiting
example, working end 223 may be wedge shaped having a generally
triangular configuration in side profile with protrusion 226
defining an apex and highest portion of the working end. The
operating rod 222 and actuator 220 may be integrally formed as a
single unitary structure such as plastic component made by a
suitable molding process. The rod preferably is structured and made
of a relatively rigid or semi-rigid plastic similar to the bristle
carrier sections described above to provide a positive mechanical
coupling to the bristle carrier assembly 200 for articulating the
sets of bristles 111a, 111b.
[0043] In operation, axial translation of the operating rod 222 in
opposing longitudinal directions via the actuator 220 reconfigures
the first and second bristle carrier sections 201, 202 from a
standard general purpose cleaning configuration in which the sets
of bristles 111a, 111b are in an extended position being arranged
and oriented substantially parallel to each other (see, e.g. FIG.
3A), to an interdental cleaning configuration in which the first
and second sets of bristles are in a folded/collapsed position
being arranged and oriented substantially obliquely to each other
(see, e.g. FIG. 3B). In this latter arrangement, the sets of
bristles 111a, 111b form a wedge-shaped profile when viewed
transversely to the longitudinal axis A-A and create an uppermost
angled point or apex for insertion between the teeth. The free ends
of the bristles 111 may touch or be in relatively close proximity
to each other. FIG. 3A shows the extended (general purpose
cleaning) position of the bristle carrier assembly 200 in which the
bristle carrier sections 201 and 202 (and front surfaces 206) are
arranged in the same horizontal reference plane H-H. FIG. 3B shows
an angled or folded (interdental cleaning) position of the assembly
in which the bristle carrier sections 201 and 202 (and front
surfaces 206) are titled or pivoted inwards about the flexible web
208 at an angle A1 to the horizontal reference plane H-H. Angle A1
may be between 0 and 90 degrees, in some embodiments between 30 and
60 degrees. The front surfaces 206 partially face each other when
in the folded position.
[0044] In the extended general purpose cleaning position shown in
FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3A, the operating rod 222 and actuator 220 are in
a forward and distal-most position. The protrusion 226 on working
end 223 of the rod engages the underside of the flexible web 208,
thereby supporting the web and bristle carrier sections 201, 202 to
prevent the assembly from collapsing inward partially into the
toothbrush head basin 210. In this embodiment, the bristle carrier
assembly 200 is molded such that the normal position of the
assembly is the folded one shown in FIG. 3B. The bristle carrier
assembly 200 is therefore biased into the folded position by the
molding process; however, engagement between the working end 223 of
the operating rod 222 and web 208 prevents the assembly from moving
into or maintaining the folded configuration.
[0045] In the folded interdental cleaning position shown in FIGS.
1B, 2B, and 3B, the operating rod 222 and actuator 220 are in a
rearward and proximal-most position. The protrusion 226 on working
end 223 of the rod may be either (1) completely disengaged from the
underside of the flexible web 208, or (2) the web may remain
engaged with a forwardly downwardly sloping portion 227 of the
working end 223 of the rod 222 forward of the protrusion 226 having
a height less than the height of the portion with the protrusion
226 as shown in FIG. 2B. In either scenario, the flexible web 208
of bristle carrier assembly 200 will drop thereby pivoting the
bristle carrier sections 201, 202 inward in opposite directions of
rotation into the basin to form the biased wedge-shaped interdental
bristle configuration. To return the bristle carrier assembly 200
to the extended general purpose cleaning position and bristle
configuration, the actuator 220 is pushed forward by the user as
shown in FIG. 2A to engage the protrusion 226 with the flexible web
208. It bears noting that the common pivot axis may be translated
slightly in position either vertically, horizontally, or a
combination thereof when the carrier assembly is moved between the
extended and folded position by the actuating mechanism; however,
the bristle carrier sections 201, 202 remain hingedly coupled
together during this motion.
[0046] There are numerous ways to configure the actuating mechanism
for articulating the bristle carrier assembly 200 between the
extended position (general purpose cleaning configuration) and
folded/collapsed position (interdental cleaning bristle
configuration). FIGS. 1-3 show one non-limiting example of an
approach for directly engaging the flexible web 208 of the assembly
200 for changing positions of the bristle carrier sections 201,
202. FIGS. 4-7 show an alternative approach for directly engaging
each of the bristle carrier sections 201, 202 to change their
position in lieu of engaging the flexible web 208.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, a bristle carrier assembly 300
similarly to assembly 200 includes axially elongated bristle
carrier sections 301, 302 comprising sets of bristles 111a, 111b
respectively, and a flexible web 308 hingedly and pivotably
coupling the sections 301, 302 together. Web 308 is axially
elongated and oriented parallel to longitudinal axis A-A to permit
the bristle carrier sections 301, 302 to rotate transversely to the
longitudinal axis in a lateral direction from side-to-side
similarly to bristle carrier assembly 200. The web 308 may be
formed as a living hinge in some embodiments similarly to web 208.
Bristles 111a, 111b extend upwards and outwards from front surface
306 of each bristle carrier section 301, 302.
[0048] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the actuating
mechanism may be integrally molded with the bristle carrier
assembly 300 forming a single unitary structure as best shown in
FIG. 4. This single integrated component may be structured and made
of a relatively rigid or semi-rigid plastic material similarly to
bristle carrier assembly 200 and operating rod 222 describe above.
The present actuating mechanism includes operating rod 322 having
an actuator 320 disposed on a proximal operating end and a distal
working end 323 configured to engage the bristle carrier sections
301, 302. The bristle carrier assembly 300 may be connected to the
working end 323 of the operating rod via a transversely oriented
living hinge 324 which allows the bristle carrier assembly to be
folded lengthwise over onto the working end of the rod when the
toothbrush 100 is assembled. The operating rod extends through the
same axial cavity 224 formed inside the handle and neck portions
120, 121 of the toothbrush 100.
[0049] With continuing reference to FIGS. 4-7, the bristle carrier
assembly 300 is movable between the extended position (general
purpose cleaning configuration) and folded/collapsed position
(interdental cleaning bristle configuration) already described
herein via mating sets of intermeshing protrusions. A first set of
longitudinally and laterally spaced apart protrusions 340 is formed
on an upward facing top surface of the working end 323 of the
operating rod 322. A second set of longitudinally spaced apart
protrusions 341 is formed on a downward facing bottom surface of
each of the bristle carrier sections 301, 302. The protrusions 341
on the first and second bristle carrier sections 301, 302 are also
laterally spaced apart. The protrusions 340, 341 are arranged so
that in the extended position of the bristle carrier assembly 300
(i.e. bristles upright), the protrusions form two longitudinal
staggered rows with protrusions 340 having inboard positions and
protrusions 341 having outboard positions. This arrangement is
shown in FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 7A.
[0050] When the actuating mechanism is activated by sliding the
actuator 320 towards the proximal end 103 of the toothbrush (in a
similar manner to actuator 220 describe above), the protrusions 341
on the bristle carriers 301, 302 engage the protrusions 340 on the
operating rod working end 323 and become laterally displaced
outwards as shown in FIGS. 5B, 6B, and 7B. This causes the bristle
carriers 301, 302 to pivot inwards about the flexible hinge 308
(i.e. pivot axis) towards the folded position (interdental cleaning
bristle configuration). The protrusions 340 and 341 are now
arranged in a substantially side-to-side relationship. It bears
noting that the common pivot axis may be translated slightly in
position either vertically, horizontally, or a combination thereof
when the carrier assembly is moved between the extended and folded
position by the actuating mechanism; however, the bristle carrier
sections 201, 202 remain hingedly coupled together during this
motion.
[0051] It further bears noting that a user may select a partially
folded position between the extended position (see, e.g. FIGS. 3A
and 6A) and the folded position (see, e.g. FIGS. 3B and 6B) by
linearly sliding actuator 220/320 between the forward and rearward
positions.
[0052] While one embodiment of an actuator mechanism in the form of
a slide button or switch and rod is disclosed herein for altering
the position and configuration of the bristle carriers, the
invention is not limited to this type of actuator alone.
Accordingly, in other possible embodiments the actuator mechanism
may be a rotatable switch/button and rod operably coupled to the
bristle carriers and configured to cause movement between the
folded and extended cleaning positions, or other type of actuator
configured to impart the desired motion to the bristle carriers.
Furthermore, while the bristle carriers are disclosed in one
embodiment as being hingedly coupled about a pivot axis which is
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, in other
embodiments the pivot axis could be transverse to the longitudinal
axis.
[0053] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for
describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value
within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In
addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a
definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference,
the present disclosure controls.
[0054] While the invention has been described with respect to
specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying
out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
there are numerous variations and permutations of the above
described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional
modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention
should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended
claims.
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